Anchovies Food & Spirits

The clientele is as diverse as the South End: Old, young, black, white, gay, straight. These are patrons for whom Anchovies is a home away from home. As soon as you arrive, walk to the far end of the bar to place your name on the waiting list, then chill out with a martini or a beer and peruse the menu (or order a pizza to while away the minutes). The pastas are very good, especially topped with fresh clams in a garlic-herb butter or marinara sauce. Chicken parmigiana, buried under a blanket of melted cheese, is Italian-American comfort food. The meatball sandwich could feed a small army. Entrees come with a side of pasta and a small salad. Portions are huge, so bring along your appetite.